How do we make sure that
new lab users comply with
the given instructions?
Whenever someone new starts using a lab, make sure they are carefully instructed in environmentally sound behaviour and safety
regulations. Lab managers should
be dilligent about monitoring use
and providing feedback when an
individual's procedures require
alteration.

How do we know what
equipment to focus on?
Have students help with a general
inventory of energy consumption
by using the numerous manual or
wireless metering solutions that are
already available.

How do we know which
chemicals can be discarded?
Have researchers and lab personnel
label the chemicals they use. Products claimed after a couple of weeks
(or whenever everybody has been
given sufficient time to label them)
can then be discarded.

How do we get students, lab personnel,
and researchers to turn off equipment not
in use?
Drawing attention to the overall energy consumption
of a given apparatus can prove an important point of
departure. This can be done either by simply stating
its annual energy cost or by displaying graphs of
energy consumption on a computer/tablet in the lab
or communal spaces (see Case 9).

IARU - Green Guide for Universities – pathways towards sustainability

Green Guide for Universities – IARU pathways towards sustainability developed by 10 leading international universities and the think-tank Sustainia. Targets key issues to address, recommendations and lessons learned when making universities more sustainable. Learn from 23 inspiring real-life cases that have made a difference.